Yamaha to Produce PES1 and PED1 Electric Motorcycles by 2016

Yamaha announced plans to release the production versions of its PES1 and PED1 concept models within two years as part of the company’s venture into the electric motorcycle segment.

The PES1 and PED1 (which stands for “Passion, Electric, Street” and “Passion, Electric, Dirt”) concepts were first revealed at last November’s Tokyo Motor Show.

In the company’s newly-published annual report, Yamaha confirmed plans to produce the two models, saying: “In sports motorcycles, we are working to create new value with EV sports motorcycles, which we aim to launch in two years, with the development of the small, on-road sports PES1, as well as the PED1, which are being developed to expand the scope of electric vehicles to the off-road world. In addition to the advantages of being electrically powered, these motorcycles will offer the operability expected by existing motorcycle fans, together with a new riding experience.”

The two models share the same DC brushless electric motors and lithium-ion batteries and monocoque frame design and transmission systems that can switch between manual and automatic modes.

The PES1 streetbike has an interesting hollowed space in front of the seat where a conventional fuel tank hump would be located. It also uses a unique rear suspension design with the monoshock placed below the motor. A generous use of carbon fiber helps keep the concept model at a svelte claimed weight of 220 pounds.

The PED1 is even lighter, claiming a weight of 187 pounds. For some reason, Yamaha’s concept model is lacking a seat, so it’s not clear if that’s factored into the weight. Unless you intend to use a seat made of lead, the completed PED1 should still be fairly lightweight. It does use a more conventional rear shock placement, as the PES1’s belly shock design would reduce ground clearance.

Of course, we have to remember that the PES1 and PED1 are still concept models. There’s no telling how much of the designs will change before Yamaha reveals the production versions in a two years’ time.

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